The Calamity Janes at Southpaw

The Calamity Janes performed on the large Southpaw stage and hardly made use of it, the reason being that they used a traditional (?) single-mic setup and everyone sings backing vocals on most of the songs. I don't think I have ever seen a musical group take the "group" part so literally. In the future they will be billed as New York's densest old-timey band, as well as probably its youngest, and quite possibly its best.

Posted: 2/5/2011 at 7:41pm     Tags: literal group  Southpaw  The Calamity Janes 

King Tuff at The Knitting Factory

I was not expecting a mosh pit at this particular show, but some of the audience was really drunk. To be more specific, two small women who were occasionally joined by their friends. It was actually kind of hilarious, and a good time was had by all.

Posted: 1/21/2011 at 7:43pm     Tags: King Tuff  The Knitting Factory 

O'Death at The Bell House

I would explain the band O'Death thusly: folk music + mosh pit. Yes, really. The play gothic folk with such energy that people actually start smashing into each other. Some willingly, some unwillingly.

Posted: 1/17/2011 at 8:06pm     Tags: O'Death  The Bell House 

Sweet Soubrette at Bowery Poetry Club

In the past they have been billed as "Sweet Soubrette and the Regrets". In this case it was Sweet Soubrette, the Regrets, the orchestra, the backup singers, the drummer's tag team partner, and the lead singer's brother (who was part of the evening's entertainment if not actually performing). Fortunately the stage at the Bowery Poetry Club is rated to support small armies like The Polyphonic Spree.

Posted: 1/9/2011 at 3:35pm     Tags: Bowery Poetry Club  Sweet Soubrette